GHS seniors candidates for Presidential Scholars

Greencastle High School has two potential Presidential Scholars this year in senior Samuel Savage (left) and Zach Wilkerson. Each represent one of 4,000 candidates selected from an original pool of 3.3 million students.

Zachary Wilkerson and Samuel Savage, two graduating seniors at Greencastle High School, have been named two of more than 4,000 candidates in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Candidates were selected from nearly 3.3 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2016.

Inclusion in the program, now in its 52nd year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in the community and school activities.

"It's a great honor to be nominated for this," Savage said Friday during a brief interview with the Banner Graphic. "We're both really excited about it.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by executive order of the president to recognize some our the nation's most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership and service to school and community.

It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year's senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America's youth. All scholars are invited to Washington, D.C. in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony.

"The nomination itself and the possibility of not only going to (Washington) D.C. but the honor of that accomplishment is very big," Wilkerson said.

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 800 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the president, will select the finalist and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the scholars in May.

Wilkerson is the son of Scott and Beth Wilkerson. Savage is the son of John and Marianne Savage.

For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars program, parents and students can call the U.S. Presidential Scholars Office at 507-931-8345 or via email at PSP@scholarshipamerica.org.

A complete list of candidates can be found on the program's web page www.ed.gov/psp or via phone at 202-401-1576.